2019 BMW 3 Series
2019 model shown · Photo: DieselFordMondeo, CC BY-SA 4.0

Luxury cars & SUVs · G20 generation

2019 BMW 3 Series: reliability, problems and cost to own

Good choice About average

It scores 58 out of 100 for reliability compared with other luxury cars and SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $17,073 to own, including $5,023 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the BMW 3 Series.

Reliability

58/100

About average

Repairs, 5 years

$5,023

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,800

30 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$16,255

$14,305 – $18,206, estimate

Recalls

9

on record

Owner complaints

41

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$2,986
Transmission & drivetrain$699
Electrical system$377
Body, glass & interior$322
Driver-assist & stability$227
Steering$93

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the BMW 3 Series

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (63/100) and the 2015 worst (6/100).

YearReliability
202459/100
202362/100
202263/100
202128/100
20207/100
201958/100
201833/100
201736/100
201619/100
20156/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 58 out of 100, about average for luxury cars and SUVs; the 2022 and 2023 scored better.

Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series reliable?

It scores 58 out of 100 against other luxury cars and SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is about average. Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $5,023 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2019 BMW 3 Series cost to own?

About $17,073 over 5 years: $5,250 in lost value, $5,023 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $16,255 today.

What are the best years of the BMW 3 Series?

Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (63/100) and the 2015 worst (6/100).

How many recalls does the 2019 BMW 3 Series have?

9 recalls on record with NHTSA.